Tottenham and Newcastle United are reportedly keeping tabs on the situation of RB Leipzig defender Mohamed Simakan, whose contract contains a €70 million release clause.
According to Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur are keen on signing versatile RB Leipzig defender Mohamed Simakan ahead of the summer transfer window.
Signed from RC Strasbourg in 2021, the defender looks to be a future France international in the making after establishing himself as a regular with RB Leipzig. He has played 27 Bundesliga games this term, scoring one goal and dishing one assist in 1,885 minutes.
The RB Leipzig defender was chased by a host of top clubs in last summer’s transfer window. But the Bundesliga club managed to ward off interest from Europe’s elite by negotiating a new long-term contract for the Frenchman, which now runs until 2027.
However, as per Florian Plettenberg, the 23-year-old can now see himself leaving Die Roten Bullen and likes the idea of moving to the Premier League. His contract also has a release clause worth €70 million that kicks in during the summer, although his current Transfermarkt value is half that figure.
Tottenham, Newcastle United to battle it out for Mohamed Simakan come summer
It is claimed both Newcastle and Tottenham are interested in signing the versatile Frenchman, who can operate both as a centre-back or right-back. A towering defender blessed with impressive pace and composure on the ball, he could prove to be an excellent addition to either side.
Spurs, for one, moved to strengthen their centre-back options in January with the signing of Radu Dragusin from Genoa, but are likely to return to the market in the summer. Pedro Porro has rediscovered his form and is a right-back mainstay, while Emerson Royal has also covered that flank during Ange Postecoglou’s tenure.
Simakan’s ability to play in multiple positions across the back four could appeal to Newcastle boss Eddie Howe, as would his pace and athleticism; something that’s evidently lacking in the Magpies’ defence in recent times.
With Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles both out with long-term ACL injuries, the club are thought to be in the market for two central defenders this summer. Simakan would be a terrific addition to St. James’ Park if he continues his development. But of course, he won’t come for a cheap price, considering his €70 million release clause.
